Designer Feature: JIBRI

Happy Wednesday Ladies! Here is the designer feature I promised you! I interviewed the lovely lady, Jasmine of JIBRI. She has been a favorite shop of mine on Etsy for a long time. Everything in her shop is so glamorous, I hope to have one of her items in my closet soon. Her shop is the perfect place to go to find the perfect piece for a party, wedding, work, or that day when you just want to feel extra special!

How would you describe the style of your clothing line? Where do you get your inspiration?

I would describe JIBRI as a strong yet feminine, sophisticated and glamorous line for the fashion savvy curvy woman.

I'm inspired heavily by vintage cinema (as those were my favorite portraits of women and femininity), all kinds of music, art, ARTISTS, an  array of cultures and attitude. :)

How long have you been designing plus size fashion? How did you get your start?

I’ve been designing and making clothes since I was a young girl, but decided to actually start a line about 4 years ago when I realized that the type of clothes I wanted weren't’t available off the rack. I’d made my own clothes for so long, I really never shopped for clothes, only accessories. When I started working full time, I didn't’t have time to make everything. When I went shopping I was disappointed big time. After a few years of that, I decided to start my line.

Ruffle Front Halter Dress

Where do you see yourself in relation to your clothing design in the future?
I hope to be able to solidify JIBRI as a recognizable boutique brand for the young glamorous, sophisticated and highly fashionable woman.

What is your favorite article of clothing? Why?
Hmmm...my favorite? I don't have one specific favorite piece but my favorite category at least are dresses. I LOVE dresses. With one slip over the head, I'm completely transformed. Dresses provide instant glam. Gotta love that.

What is one thing every plus size woman should have in their closet?

At least one piece that makes them smile just by looking at it....A fabulous pair of stilettos, a vintage broach, a snazzy hat, a perfectly fitted dress...whatever that piece is...Every woman needs to know that there is a piece in her closet that will help her set any room ablaze. I love basics, but I think we all need something stunning that transforms basics to spectacular.

 Where are your favorite places to shop? On etsy and/or elsewhere.

My absolute favorite place to shop is Neiman Marcus Last Call (The Outlet). I love Neiman Marcus, but can't always afford all the pieces I love there AND I love random value shopping (like Thrifting, TJ Maxx, Marshall etc) so Neiman Marcus Last Call is the best of both worlds. They have the opulence that makes my toes curl AND the value shopping setup that I like. I love to dig a bit for the hidden treasure.
               
                                                                                                                High Waist Pencil Skirt
Oddly enough...I haven't quite gotten the swing of SHOPPING on Etsy as I like to shop very randomly. I can never say.."today I'm looking for earrings!" I do however find tons of goodies via all the beautiful treasuries that I've recently discovered.

 Lastly, any advice or final words you would like to share with the readers?

As cliche as it is....Live life with no limits. Only one life to live...might as well enjoy it to the fullest! :)

 Ruffled Cardigan                                                                   Aviator Sleeved Wrap Dress                                                     Flapping Grace Dress

Alright ladies, if you like what you see you HAVE to go check out the rest in her Etsy shop! Make sure to visit her personal website, you can sign up for her mailing list, look at all of her collections, or even see where you can see her clothes in person. I know I will be visiting the Milwaukee, WI location!

UPDATE: She is currently having a 36 hour sale on select items, 40% off! (including that beautiful orange skirt). So make sure to head over there ASAP! :)

Designer Feature: Platipuses

Good Morning! I need to tell you guys something, I am on a mission. I want this to be the best blog ever. So I have been hard at work trying to figure out ways to make that happen. I have a whole list of ideas to bring here, so there shouldn't be a shortage of posts. I just need to find some readers! Hopefully, they will come with time. :)

Some of my planning is already paying off and I am super excited to feature a plus size clothing designer today!

Her name is Christi, but she is known as Plats at Platipuses on Etsy. I first found out about her on Ebay a few years back and even purchased a skirt from her! I will make sure to feature it sometime. One thing I love about her, she makes clothes that fit from a size large all the way to 4x!  I am so excited she agreed to answer a few questions and  share them here. So, here we go!

How would you describe the style of your clothing line? Where do you get your inspiration?
I would describe my clothing to be badass loveliness for fat girls. It's punk/rockabilly/nerd. anything that will make curvy ladies feel awesome. I just get my inspiration from what fabric I have/like.


How long have you been designing plus size fashion? How did you get your start?
I've been designing for about 5 years I think. I started just by being sick of there never being any cool looking stuff in the 'Plus Size' areas in stores. It was all for old ladies.

summer lovin dress.

  Where do you see yourself in relation to your clothing design in the future?
I want to keep doing the same thing, designing, modeling, and making all the stuff myself.

What is your favorite article of clothing? Why?
I have a Conan O'Brien hoodie that I just got at his show here in Seattle a few weeks back. It's not the best looking thing, but I love the memories it brings back!

What is one thing every plus size woman should have in their closet?
A killer hoodie.


Where are your favorite places to shop? On etsy and/or elsewhere.
I like going to Thrift stores, that's where I get most of my clothing.

Lastly, any advice or final words you would like to share with the readers?
Well, if you want to start sewing, do it! It's fun and pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Also, there is no reason to dress like a frump just because you are plus size, dressing adorably will make you feel adorable. And that's all that matters.


                                                                                                                    the comfy hoodie.
                                                                                                             

Christi's clothes are so fun and playful, and a little bit hardcore. If you want to make a statement, these are the things to wear. I am going to be honest, I was a little hesitant adding the first dress, I want it for myself! What I have pictured here is only a small portion of what is in her shop, so make sure to stop over at Platipuses and do a little shopping for yourself!

Other Places you can find Plats: twitter, flickr, facebook.